Guided tour
Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour
- Pickup available
- Duration: 5 hours
From
$51.83
per person
Top pick
Pearl Harbor: Tours & Tickets
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
Remembering Pearl Harbor in 5 facts
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was the 9/11 of its day, remembered as a defining moment of the Second World War. But Pearl Harbor is about much more than its most tragic moment. Here's a brief history to prepare you for your tour!
1. It was once a sacred site
The large bay was originally called Wai Momi, or "Waters of Pearl." According to Hawaiian legend, it's home to the shark goddess, Kaʻahupahau.
2. It's been expanded twice
First by the Ewa chief, Keaunui, who reshaped the estuary to make it accessible. Then, in 1869, the US deepened the waters leading into the harbor while Hawaii was still a kingdom.
3. Hawaii wasn't part of the US when it was attacked
The kingdom made way for the Republic of Hawaii in 1893, which let the US establish a naval base at the harbor six years later. It didn't become the 50th state until 1959!
4. A surprising excuse for incompetence?
US intelligence is rumored to have expected the "surprise" attack, but either way, the naval base was woefully unequipped to defend against any kind of air-raid.
5. It's still an operational naval base
The Pearl Harbor attacks killed 2,403 Americans and Hawaiians, and sunk much of the US' naval might. Defiantly, it's still home to the bigger-than-ever US Pacific Fleet!
Planning Your Visit
What are the opening times?
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7:00AM to 5:00PM, except for Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, and January 1st. Expect it to be busy at any time! If travelling on a budget then arrive early to snap up one of the free walk-in tickets, otherwise it's recommended that you book in advance!
How to get there?
Pearl Harbor can be accessed by City Bus and taxi, but the former is slow (up to 2 hours) and the latter expensive. Many cheap, quick transportation services don't have clearance to the tourist site itself, so the best way to reach Pearl Harbor is undoubtedly with a certified tour company.
Good to know
-
- When should I visit?
- Open daily, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Holiday hours may vary
-
- Is it expensive?
- Walk-in tickets are free, but best to guarantee access by purchasing an all-inclusive tour package.
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- Will I need a guide?
- It will definitely help.
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- How to get there
- Best to go in a private van with a tour company.
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- Additional information
- Get out your fanny pack! Backpacks and other large bags must be checked at the storage area.
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Want to discover all there is to do in Pearl Harbor? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Pearl Harbor
Sarah, our pilot was fantastic! She went over everything with us and we had a fantastic time! I highly recommend the 60 minute tour! The whole crew was wonderful! I will be recommending them to everyone I know coming to Oahu!
Lots of fun! Joey the guide was great! I would recommend not trying to take pictures/ videos with the doors off! Too windy or maybe I’m just not skilled enough with using my phone! I enjoyed it very much!
It was an assume tour. Our guide was truly the very best. He had so much knowledge of everything. He was the best ever.
Great historical audio with memorial, puts a sincere resonance with activity which happened the actual day.
Geoff was an amazing pilot and very informative! This is a must do for anyone. But must do it doors off!!!!
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